Palmetto hoping a deeper and more balanced roster results in school’s first state title
Palmetto’s football team had what many considered its best signing class in school history two years ago.
Some of the nation’s best prospects such as current University of Miami sophomores Leonard Taylor and Brashard Smith propelled the Panthers as far as the state semifinals for the first time.
But lack of depth behind those stars contributed to Palmetto falling short of its ultimate goal.
That isn’t the case for this year’s Panthers.
While Palmetto doesn’t have the elite 5-star prospect such as Taylor on its roster this season, coach Mike Manasco believes this could be the deepest the team has been during the program’s recent surge.
“In 2020, we had some elite talent, but we weren’t as complete a roster as we are now,” Manasco said. “But it won’t mean much until we come together as a team and hit adversity and figure out how to get through it.”
Palmetto couldn’t figure that out the past two seasons despite posting their two best finishes in program history.
A lack of offense against Kissimmee Osceola after Smith, a receiver, had to fill in at quarterback running solely a wildcat offense due to an injury to their regular starter coupled with a regrettable decision to kick a field goal that was blocked and returned for a touchdown led to a 9-3 loss in the 2020 Class 8A semifinal.
And after beating rival Columbus in the regular season last year, the Panthers couldn’t follow it up in the rematch and the Explorers ousted them in the Region 4-8A final.
So will this deeper roster be enough to reach the pinnacle this time?
Coincidentally, another talented pair of University of Miami commits highlights this more balanced group.
The arrival of Robby and Bobby Washington, who transferred from rival Killian this offseason, rank among the top Class of 2023 prospects in the state at their positions.
The siblings are the sons of former Miami Killian running back Bobby Washington, who back in 2003 broke Frank Gore’s Miami-Dade County career rushing record at the time, was a three-time All-Dade selection and Parade All-American, and would go on to play at N.C. State and later Eastern Kentucky.
Robby is the speedster much like his father at 5-10, 185-pounds. A four-star recruit ranked No. 12 in the nation among athletes by 247Sports, Robby Washington will likely be deployed all over the field on offense in order to maximize his ability to make plays with the ball.
The younger Bobby Washington, who grew up idolizing Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner for his speed and the way he delivers punishing hits, should make a similar impact on Palmetto’s defense with his 6-3, 215-pound frame and fast motor as an outside linebacker.
“They’re two young men who have a desire to compete and be better and make the others around them better,” Manasco said. “They have hit the floor running since they arrived in the summer. They are great competitors and you need that always on your team.
“They come into the room and everyone knows what they can do. They don’t run their mouths, they’re working. It’s about how they perform. They’ve elevated everyone around them. Bobby, on the defensive end, has learned the scheme and he’s playing really fast and Robby is one of the most special players in the county when he has the ball in his hands.”
Palmetto’s 2022 squad could resemble its 2020 squad in terms of stout defense.
Senior middle linebacker Gabe Hardman is regarded as the “heart and soul” of the team on that side of the ball. Hardman, a South Dakota University signee, led the team in tackles last season and will anchor the group along with junior Lathan Croley behind a stout defensive line led by junior edge rusher Willis McGahee IV, the son of the former NFL running back and Miami Central alum.
“I think we have a great shot this season because Hardman just won’t let anyone slack,” Robby Washington said. “The only thing that can stop us is ourselves. He won’t let that happen.”
The secondary will be led by senior cornerback Dwight Bootle, a Nebraska commit.
But this year’s offense figures to have more weapons than it ever has.
In addition to Washington, senior wide receivers Derrick Bohler (6-2, 195) and Blake Brookins (6-5, 210) bring speed and size to the passing game.
Bohler has several offers from FBS programs including Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Indiana and Louisville.
Junior Jacory Barney (6-1, 160) could be the fastest and most dynamic of the group. Sophomore receiver Cameron Sapp, the son of Palmetto alum and former Colorado State and Denver Broncos fullback Cecil Sapp, is another potential contributor.
Robby Washington will lead the backfield and senior tackle Darryl Doctor returns to anchor the offensive line.
Despite the state’s major realignment to its classifications, the potential road to state remains virtually the same for Palmetto in the new Class 4M. The Panthers, who play in a preseason jamboree Thursday against two defending state champions in Chaminade-Madonna and host Cardinal Gibbons, will still have to contend with Columbus in their region as well as a potential clash with Western in the postseason.
The only major change was the departure of last year’s Class 8A champ Venice, which was moved to Class 4S. However, several top contenders from the Orlando area such as Apopka, Seminole and Dr. Phillips remain.
Among the tough matchups which Palmetto hopes will prepare it for the difficult road ahead are regular season tilts with Homestead, Columbus, Clerwater Academy International, Vero Beach and Edison.
“Everyone is grinding for their spot,” Bohler said. “We have a lot of young guys that are ready to step up and players are motivated to prove themselves.”
FOOTBALL PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Thursday
Jamboree at Cardinal Gibbons: Palmetto vs. Cardinal Gibbons, 6; Palmetto vs. Chaminade, 7; Chaminade vs. Cardinal Gibbons, 8
Jamboree at Traz Powell: Norland, Jackson vs. Dillard, 7
North Broward Prep at Palmer Trinity, 4
American vs. Hialeah (Milander), 7
Southwest vs. Westland Hialeah (Tropical), 7
Coral Reef at Coral Gables, 4
Palm Glades Prep at HML, 7
Douglas at Western, 7
Ocoee at Coral Springs, 7
Piper at Boyd Anderson, 7
Stranahan at Coconut Creek, 7
Nova vs. West Broward (Pines Charter), 7
Taravella at Cooper City, 7
Coral Springs Charter at Delray American Heritage, 7
Friday
Edison at Miramar, 7
NMB at Cypress Bay, 7
Monsignor Pace at Blanche Ely, 7
Goleman at Everglades, 7
Flanagan vs. Krop (Ives), 7
Fort Lauderdale at Doral, 7
Central at Palm Beach Lakes, 7
Carol City vs. Southridge (Traz), 7:30
Booker T. Washington at Glades Central, 6:30
Killian vs. Homestead (Tropical), 7:30
Gulliver at Belen, 7:30
Miami Springs vs. Braddock (Milander), 7:30
South Miami, Goleman at Everglades, 7
North Miami at Valdosta (Ga.), 7
Miami High at Ferguson, 3:30
Sunset at BridgePrep, 4
Archbishop Carroll at La Salle, 7
Marathon at St. Brendan, 7
Dade Christian at Bainbridge (Ga.), 7
Coral Glades vs. South Broward (Boggs), 5
Dwyer vs. Plantation (PAL), 7
South Plantation at Hallandale, 7
Pompano Beach at Boca Raton Spanish River, 7
Pines Charter vs. Somerset Academy, 3:30
Carrollwood Day at Calvary Christian, 7
University School vs. Marco Island Academy (Winterberry), 7
Somerset Academy at Legacy Charter (Orlando), 7
Palm Beach Christian Prep at Westminster Academy, 7
Saturday
St. Thomas Aquinas - Blue vs. Gold game, noon
Deerfield Beach at Colquitt County (Ga.), 5
Northwestern at Orlando Jones, 7
American Heritage at Lowndes (Ga.), 7
